Moir ‘step up’ for She Will Reign Williams puts star on path to Cup
LLOYD Williams has confirmed Almandin will have one more start before he tries to become the sixth horse to win consecutive Melbourne Cups.
Williams has also declared Irish galloper Rekindling as the other horse he is pinning his hopes on to win a sixth Melbourne Cup for him, saying he was “keen on him”.
He said Rekindling was possibly the best young stayer he had owned since Melbourne Cup winner Efficient.
Williams said Almandin would be either in The Bart Cummings at Flemington on Saturday week or in the Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield the following Sunday.
Yesterday morning Damien Oliver demonstrated his commitment to the Melbourne Cup favourite by telling David Hayes he would not be able to ride Vega Magic in The Everest because it could clash with the Herbert Power Stakes where Almandin could start. Oliver did not want to risk losing the mount on Almandin in the Melbourne Cup.
He has had three rides on Williams’s star for three wins but could not make the weight to ride him in last year’s Melbourne Cup.
Last year Almandin won The Bart Cummings before being successful at Flemington. Almandin is a $6 favourite for the Melbourne Cup and Rekindling is a $51 chance.
Williams guaranteed Oliver the ride in this year’s Melbourne Cup after the pair combined to win the JRA Trophy at Flemington. The jockey is seeking to win his fourth Melbourne Cup, which would have him equal Harry White and Bobbie Lewis as the record holder.
Williams is still looking for a rider in the Melbourne Cup for Rekindling. “He’s a very good stayer. If he travels well I think he’s a super chance,” he said.